Traceability, recall, and import and export of foods

What traceability is

Traceability is the ability to follow a food through every stage of production, processing and distribution. Each business must know one step back (who supplied each raw material) and one step forward (to whom it sent each product). Inside the unit it links each raw-material lot to the finished batches made from it. The thread is the lot or batch number, backed by records: supplier and licence number, date received, batch, quantity, production logs and dispatch notes. Example: a dairy can trace a pouch of toned milk by its batch number to the pasteurisation run, the silo and the collection centres that supplied the milk. Traceability allows a fast, targeted recall, helps find the root cause, and protects consumers and the brand.

Food recall: the steps

The FSS Act requires an FBO who believes its food is not compliant or may harm consumers to withdraw it at once and inform the authorities.

1. 1
   Detect the problem: a complaint, a lab result, a regulator's alert or an internal check.
2. 2
   Assess the risk and decide to recall; call the recall team.
3. 3
   Identify the affected lots using traceability records.
4. 4
   Stop dispatch and sale; hold all remaining stock.
5. 5
   Inform FSSAI or the State authority, distributors, retailers and, where needed, the public.
6. 6
   Retrieve the product; store it separately, labelled 'Recalled: do not use'.
7. 7
   Dispose of it (destroy, or rework if allowed) under supervision, and record quantities.
8. 8
   Find the root cause, take corrective action, report to the authority, and review the recall plan through mock recalls.

Import of food into India

1. 1
   The importer holds an Importer-Exporter Code (from the DGFT) and a Central licence from FSSAI.
2. 2
   On arrival at a port, airport or land border, the importer files the documents online through FSSAI's import clearance system, linked to the customs single window.
3. 3
   FSSAI's Authorised Officer scrutinises documents and labels, inspects the consignment and draws samples.
4. 4
   Samples are tested in an FSSAI-notified laboratory.
5. 5
   If the food conforms, FSSAI issues a No Objection Certificate and customs releases it; if not, a Non-Conforming Report (NCR) is issued and the food is sent back or destroyed (the importer may first ask for a re-test at a referral laboratory).

Export of food

For exports, the Export Inspection Council (EIC) of India, set up under the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act 1963 and working under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the official export certification body. It inspects and certifies foods such as fish and milk products where the importing country asks for government certification. Exporters must also meet the importing country's own standards, and labels on imported food in India must show the importer's name and address, FSSAI logo and licence number, and country of origin.